Brazil's Iconic Caramelo Street Dog is new Netflix Darling

If you’ve travelled to any of the Caribbean islands, it’s almost certain you’ll have seen the street animals – particularly dogs. They wander through resorts or up and down the city core looking for handouts. Regardless of your sunspot destination, you don’t need to look twice to notice a distinct resemblance and that’s because, over time, these hot-weather dogs have actually adapted their physique to better suit their surroundings.

As a result, they now share many of the same characteristics needed to help cope with extreme heat. Specifically, shorter, thinner coats for improved airflow, upright ears to help prevent heat build-up, longer beaks for better expulsion of warm air, and of course, that light, tan-colored coat that not only deflects sunlight but segues perfectly into the topic at hand.

You see, Brazil is bucking the trend regarding street dogs. For decades, these overlooked pooches were considered scavengers that simply mooched around beaches, shops, and restaurants for food. Not anymore. Five years ago, communities in Brazil began to realize just how iconic these four-legged foragers had become. Add in some funny memes and social media support and suddenly these caramel-colored canines were the country’s latest mini craze. From social media posts touting “This represents Brazil more than soccer or samba,”, to dog-shaped throw cushions, and even a petition (growing to this day) to have the affable pooch replace the Macaw on the country’s bank notes. Yes, the street dog rules in this country of over 213 million.

Yet, a more recent boost that has taken the affectionally dubbed “vira-lata caramelo” (or caramel trashcan tippers) to seriously viral status is a Netflix film entitled Caramelo. Shot in Sao Paulo, Brazil it follows a pint-sized street pup as he watches the area’s families stroll by with their pure-bred dogs, overlooking him. Or, as he chases a pizza delivery person while desperately trying to score something to eat.

In a country where millions struggle to get by, the relatability of the street dog’s resilience has clearly hit home. Per the film’s director, Diego Freitas, “The caramelo ended up becoming the great symbol of Brazil, a symbol for the people”. The caramelo is the spirit of our time.”

In anticipation of next year’s famed Rio Carnival, a local samba school has started churning out strips of yellow fabric to be used in the creation of dozens of the iconic dog costumes. Each is to be topped with a giant foam head. Hmmm… perhaps reminiscent of a once-famous Underdog balloon in a certain Macy’s Day parade.

Of course, in true Cinderella fashion, the pooch who stars in the film and was found alongside a highway in a box with his siblings has been adopted. As have the other once-homeless pups who have now found their forever families with many of the crew members.